Former soldier Gavin Sandford, 43, will taking on one of the world’s toughest challenges, the Marathon des Sables, next month for three charities – Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Team Margot. In an unusual twist, Gavin will be meeting those starting the race having already run the 2015 route from the finish line back to the start.

The race takes place in the blistering heat of the Sahara Desert with competitors covering 250km over six days in temperatures that often hit 55°C. Competitors must carry everything they need to be self-sufficient except water. Gavin will start his challenge on 03 April, joining the beginning of the official race just 5 days later. In total he will cover around 500km in just 12 days.

Gavin, based in Solihull, currently works as an Anaesthetic Practitioner at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. He is no stranger to tough fundraising challenges, in 2014 he was inspired to take on a 1200 mile solo run covering 45 marathons in 45 days from Lands’ End to John O’Groats whilst also pushing a 50Kg barrel that got heavier as people donated into it.

On the Marathon des Sables, Gavin said: “I’ve heard a lot about this challenge and the Discovery Channel has called it the toughest footrace on Earth. I’m really looking forward to April when I’ll be heading to Morocco to start this feat, which really is so exciting to me on a personal level. I really call on the public to help these three wonderful causes, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blesma and Team Margot. I will be keeping all my supporters up to date with regular updates as they follow my toughest challenge yet.”

To support Gavin on his epic challenge, go to: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/gavinsandford His progress can be tracked at his website: www.icanandiwill.co.uk

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

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Notes to Editor

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:

Gavin Sandford: https://blesma.org/media/437451/gavin-sandford.jpg

To find out more information, or to interview Gavin, please contact Hayley on 07817 213196 or email hayley@icanandiwill.co.uk

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